On Tuesday, October 22, the Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze, during a working visit to Paris, France, met with the leadership of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the management of France's National Forest Management Company. He also attended the international food exhibition “SIAL - 2024”.
During his meeting with Marion Jansen, Director of the OECD’s Trade and Agriculture Directorate, Minister Krauze emphasized Latvia’s readiness to engage in fact-based discussions with the OECD and its member states, sharing experiences enacting different policies. He also stressed the importance of subsidies in Latvia’s agricultural sector, noting that this tool should not be underestimated simply because some countries use it less than others.
In talks with the leadership of France's National Forest Management Company, the minister discussed current challenges in the forestry sector related to achieving climate goals. He emphasized that productive and resilient forests are key to meeting climate targets. That includes constructing wooden buildings and using wood in long-lasting products, which significantly improve the overall balance of greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister Armands Krauze also visited the international food exhibition “SIAL - 2024”, where the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, organized a joint stand for Latvian food producers.
This year, the area of the joint Latvian stand reached 491 square meters. A total of 36 companies participated in six thematic sections - dairy products, gourmet products, fresh meat, sweets, beverages, and product alternatives. In addition, 12 participants showcased products in a separate stand dedicated to the fishery industry. Overall, more than 50 Latvian companies were represented at the exhibition, marking significant growth compared to 2004, when only five Latvian companies participated in the exhibit.